Former Brazilian Spy Chief Arrested by ICE After Fleeing Coup Plot Conviction

Alexandre Ramagem was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in a failed attempt to overturn the 2022 election results.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:28am

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a shadowy figure in overlapping geometric shapes and waves of dark colors, conveying a sense of political unrest and instability.The arrest of a former Brazilian spy chief who fled the country to avoid a prison sentence for a failed coup plot exposes the ongoing political turmoil in the region.Today in Orlando

Former Brazilian intelligence chief Alexandre Ramagem was detained by ICE agents in the United States after fleeing Brazil to avoid serving a 16-year prison sentence for his role in a failed coup plot with ex-President Jair Bolsonaro. Ramagem was convicted in September 2022 for using spy software to track the locations of Supreme Court justices, lawmakers, journalists, and public officials in an effort to monitor investigations involving Bolsonaro's sons.

Why it matters

The arrest of Ramagem, a high-ranking former Brazilian official, highlights the ongoing political tensions and crackdown on Bolsonaro allies following the failed attempt to overturn the 2022 election results. It also raises questions about the cooperation between Brazilian and U.S. law enforcement in apprehending fugitives.

The details

According to authorities, Ramagem fled Brazil before he was set to begin his 16-year prison sentence. He was recently detained by ICE agents in Orlando, Florida, after being pulled over for a minor traffic infraction. Brazilian federal police announced the arrest of a 'fugitive of the country's justice' in Orlando, though they did not name Ramagem specifically. A Bolsonaro ally living in the U.S., Paulo Figueiredo, claimed Ramagem was detained following the traffic stop and subsequently referred to ICE.

  • Ramagem was sentenced to 16 years in prison in September 2022 for his role in the failed coup plot.
  • Ramagem fled Brazil before he was set to begin his prison sentence.
  • Ramagem was detained by ICE agents in Orlando, Florida, on April 14, 2026.

The players

Alexandre Ramagem

Former Brazilian intelligence chief who was convicted of plotting a coup with ex-President Jair Bolsonaro to overturn the 2022 election results. Ramagem fled Brazil before he was set to begin his 16-year prison sentence.

Jair Bolsonaro

Former president of Brazil who was involved in the failed coup plot with Ramagem to overturn the 2022 election results.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

Leftist leader who won the 2022 Brazilian presidential election, defeating Bolsonaro.

Paulo Figueiredo

Bolsonaro ally living in the U.S. who claimed Ramagem was detained following a minor traffic infraction.

Jorge Seif

Brazilian senator who said he informed the U.S. embassy that Ramagem should not be in custody since he was being politically persecuted in Brazil.

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What they’re saying

“The political persecution against President Bolsonaro, his sons, and his allies is now hitting an elected lawmaker in foreign soil.”

— Jorge Seif, Brazilian Senator

What’s next

The U.S. embassy in Brazil has been informed that Ramagem should be granted political asylum, according to Senator Jorge Seif. It remains to be seen whether Ramagem will be extradited back to Brazil or allowed to stay in the U.S.

The takeaway

The arrest of former Brazilian spy chief Alexandre Ramagem in the U.S. highlights the ongoing political tensions in Brazil following the failed coup attempt to overturn the 2022 election results. It raises questions about the cooperation between law enforcement in both countries and the potential for Bolsonaro allies to seek asylum abroad.